Controlled Release and Taste Masking Oral Pharmaceutical Composition

ABSTRACT

Controlled release and taste masking compositions containing one or more active principles inglobated in a three-component matrix structure, i.e. a structure formed by successive amphiphilic, lipophilic or inert matrices and finally inglobated or dispersed in hydrophilic matrices. The use of a plurality of systems for the control of the dissolution of the active ingredient modulates the dissolution rate of the active ingredient in aqueous and/or biological fluids, thereby controlling the release kinetics in the gastrointestinal tract.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. application Ser. No.13/226,758, filed Sep. 7, 2011 which is a continuation-in-part of U.S.application Ser. No. 12/210,969, filed Sep. 15, 2008, now U.S. Pat. No.8,029,823, which is a continuation-in-part of U.S. application Ser. No.10/009,532, filed Dec. 12, 2001, now U.S. Pat. No. 7,431,943, which isthe national phase entry of international application PCT/EP00/05356,filed Jun. 9, 2000, which claimed priority of Italian applicationsM100A0422, filed Mar. 3, 2000, and MI99A1317, filed Jun. 14, 1999, andis related to U.S. application Ser. No. 11/268,500, filed Nov. 8, 2005,now U.S. Pat. No. 7,410,651, all of which are incorporated herein byreference in their entirety.

The present invention relates to controlled release, delayed release,prolonged release, extended release and/or taste masking compositionscontaining budesonide as active ingredient incorporated in athree-component matrix structure, i.e. a structure formed by successiveamphiphilic, lipophilic or inert matrices and finally incorporated ordispersed in hydrophilic matrices. The use of a plurality of systemsmechanism for the control of the dissolution of the active ingredientmodulates the dissolution rate of the active ingredient in aqueousand/or biological fluids, thereby controlling the release kinetics inthe gastrointestinal tract, and it also allows the oral administrationof active principles having unfavorable taste characteristics orirritating action on the mucosae of the administration site,particularly in the buccal or gastric area.

The compositions of the invention are suitable to the oraladministration or the efficaciously deliver the active ingredient actingtopically at some areas of the gastrointestinal tract.

TECHNOLOGICAL BACKGROUND

The preparation of a sustained, controlled, delayed, extended or anyhowmodified release form can be carried out according to differenttechniques:

-   -   1. The use of inert matrices, in which the main component of the        matrix structure opposes some resistance to the penetration of        the solvent due to the poor affinity towards aqueous fluids;        such property being known as lipophilia.    -   2. The use of hydrophilic matrices, in which the main component        of the matrix structure opposes high resistance to the progress        of the solvent, in that the presence of strongly hydrophilic        groups in its chains, mainly branched, remarkably increases        viscosity inside the hydrated layer.    -   3. The use of bioerodible matrices, which are capable of being        degraded by the enzymes of some biological compartment.

All the procedures listed above suffer, however, from drawbacks andimperfections.

Inert matrices, for example, generally entail non-linear, butexponential, release of the active ingredient.

Hydrophilic matrices: have a linear behaviour until a certain fractionof active ingredient has been released, then significantly deviate fromlinear release.

Bioerodible matrices are ideal to carry out the so-called“sire-release”, but they involve the problem of finding the suitableenzyme or reactive to degradation. Furthermore, they frequently releasein situ metabolites that are not wholly toxicologically inert.

A number of formulations based on inert lipophilic matrices have beendescribed: Drug Dev. Ind. Pharm. 13 (6), 1001-1022, (1987) discloses aprocess making use of varying amounts of colloidal silica as aporization element for a lipophilic inert matrix in which the activeingredient is incorporated.

The same notion of canalization of an inert matrix is described in U.S.Pat. No. 4,608,248 in which a small amount of a hydrophilic polymer ismixed with the substances forming an inert matrix, in a non sequentialcompenetration of different matrix materials. EP 375,063 discloses atechnique for the preparation of multiparticulate granules for thecontrolled-release of the active ingredient which comprisesco-dissolution of polymers or suitable substances to form a inert matrixwith the active ingredient and the subsequent deposition of saidsolution on an inert carrier which acts as the core of the device.Alternatively, the inert carrier is kneaded with the solution containingthe inert polymer and the active ingredient, then the organic solventused for the dissolution is evaporated off to obtain a solid residue.The resulting structure is a “reservoir”, i.e. is not macroscopicallyhomogeneous along all the symmetry axis of the final form. The same“reservoir” structure is also described in Chem. Pharm. Bull. 46 (3),531-533, (1998) which improves the application through an annealingtechnique of the inert polymer layer which is deposited on the surfaceof the pellets.

To the “reservoir” structure also belong the products obtained accordingto the technique described in WO 93/00889 which discloses a process forthe preparation of pellets in hydrophilic matrix whichcomprises:—dissolution of the active ingredient with gastro resistanthydrophilic polymers in organic solvents;—drying of saidsuspension;—subsequent kneading and formulation of the pellets in ahydrophilic or lipophilic matrix without distinction of effectivenessbetween the two types of application. EP 0 453 001 discloses amultiparticulate with “reservoir” structure inserted in a hydrophilicmatrix. The basic multiparticulate utilizes two coating membranes todecrease the release rate of the active ingredient, a pH-dependentmembrane with the purpose of gastric protection and a pH-independentmethacrylic membrane with the purpose of slowing down the penetration ofthe aqueous fluid. WO 95/16451 discloses a composition only formed by ahydrophilic matrix coated with a gastro-resistant film for controllingthe dissolution rate of the active ingredient. When preparingsustained-, controlled-release dosage forms of a medicament topicallyactive in the gastrointestinal tract, it is important to ensure acontrolled release from the first phases following administration, i.e.when the inert matrices have the maximum release rate inside thelogarithmic phase, namely the higher deviation from linear release. Saidobject has been attained according to the present invention, through thecombination of an amphiphilic matrix inside an inert matrix, the latterformulated with a lipophilic polymer in a superficial hydrophilicmatrix. The compositions of the invention are characterized by theabsence of a first phase in which the medicament superficially presenton the matrix is quickly solubilized, and by the fact the amphiphiliclayer compensate the lack of affinity of the aqueous solvent with thelipophilic compounds forming the inner inert matrix.

DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides controlled release, delayed release, prolongedrelease, extended release and/or taste masking oral pharmaceuticalcompositions containing as active ingredient budesonide comprising:

-   -   a) a matrix consisting of lipophilic compounds with melting        point lower than 90° C. and optionally by amphiphilic compounds        in which the active ingredient is at least partially        incorporated;    -   b) an amphiphilic matrix;    -   c) an outer hydrophilic matrix in which the lipophilic matrix        and the amphiphilic matrix are dispersed;    -   d) optionally other excipients.

A particular aspect of the invention consists of controlled release,delayed release, prolonged release, extended release and/or tastemasking oral compositions containing as active ingredient budesonidecomprising:

-   -   a) a matrix consisting of amphiphilic compounds and lipophilic        compounds with melting point below 90° C. in which the active        ingredient is at least partially incorporated;    -   b) an outer hydrophilic matrix in which the        lipophilic/amphiphilic matrix is dispersed, preferably by        mixing;    -   c) optionally other excipients.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention, the activeingredient budesonide is contained in the composition in an amount from1.5% to 15% w/w, based on the total weight of the composition. Accordingto a preferred embodiment of the invention, budesonide is comprised inan amount from 5 to 10 mgs/dose unit, more preferably in an amount ofabout 6 mgs/dose unit or 9 mgs/dose unit.

A further aspect of the invention provides taste masking oralpharmaceutical compositions budesonide containing comprising:

-   -   an inert or lipophilic matrix consisting of C6-C20 alcohols or        C8-C20 fatty acids or esters of fatty acids with glycerol or        sorbitol or other polyalcohols with carbon atom chain not higher        than six;    -   an amphiphilic matrix consisting of polar lipids of type I or II        or glycols partially etherified with C1-C4 alkyl chains;    -   an outer hydrophilic matrix containing the above matrices,        mainly formed by saccharide, dextrin, polyalcohol or cellulose        compounds or by hydrogels or their mixtures;    -   optional excipients to give stability to the pharmaceutical        formulation.

DETAILED DISCLOSURE OF THE INVENTION

The compositions of the invention can be prepared by a method comprisingthe following steps:

-   -   a) the active ingredient, represented by budesonide, is first        inglobated by simple kneading or mixing in a matrix or coating        consisting of compounds having amphiphilic properties, which        will be further specified below. The active ingredient can be        mixed with the amphiphilic compounds without the aid of solvents        or with small amounts of water-alcoholic solvents.    -   b) the matrix obtained as specified under a) is incorporated in        a low melting lipophilic excipient or mixture of excipients, if        necessary while heating to soften and/or melt the excipient        itself, which thereby incorporates the active ingredient by        simple dispersion, forming an inert matrix which can be reduced        in size to obtain inert matrix granules containing the active        ingredient particles.    -   c) the inert matrix granules are subsequently mixed together        with one or more hydrophilic water-swellable excipients. The        mixture is then subjected to compression or tableting. This way,        when the tablet is contacted with biological fluids, a high        viscosity swollen layer is formed, which coordinates the solvent        molecules and acts as a barrier to penetration of the aqueous        fluid itself inside the new structure. Said barrier antagonizes        the starting “burst effect” caused by the dissolution of the        medicament inglobated inside the inert matrix, which is in its        turn inside the hydrophilic matrix. The amphiphilic compounds        which can be used according to the invention comprise polar        lipids of type I or II (lecithin, phosphatidylcholine,        phosphatidylethanolamine), ceramides, glycol alkyl ethers such        as diethylene glycol monomethyl ether (Transcutol®). The        lipophilic matrix consists of substances selected from        unsaturated or hydrogenated alcohols or fatty acids, salts,        esters or amides thereof, fatty acids mono-, di- or        triglycerides, the polyethoxylated derivatives thereof, waxes,        ceramides, cholesterol derivatives or mixtures thereof having        melting point within the range of 40° to 90° C., preferably from        60° to 70° C. If desired, a fatty acid calcium salt may be        incorporated in the lipophilic matrix which is subsequently        dispersed in a hydrophilic matrix prepared with alginic acid,        thus remarkably increasing the hydrophilic matrix viscosity        following penetration of the solvent front until contact with        the lipophilic matrix granules dispersed inside. An amphiphilic        matrix with high content in active ingredient, typically from 5%        to 95% w/w, in particular from 20% to 70%, or from 1.5% to 15%        w/w, is first prepared by dispersing the active ingredient in a        mixture of amphiphilic compounds, such as lecithin, other type        II polar lipids, surfactants, or in diethylene glycol monoethyl        ether; the resulting amphiphilic matrix is then mixed or        kneaded, usually while hot, with lipophilic compounds suitable        to form an inert matrix, such as saturated or unsaturated fatty        acids, such as palmitic, stearic, myristic, lauric, laurylic, or        oleic acids or mixtures thereof with other fatty acids with        shorter chain, or salts or alcohols or derivatives of the cited        fatty acids, such as mono-, di-, or triglycerides or esters with        polyethylene glycols, alone or in combination with waxes,        ceramides, cholesterol derivatives or other apolar lipids in        various ratios so that the melting or softening points of the        lipophilic compounds mixtures is within the range of 40° to 90°        C., preferably from 60° to 70° C. Alternatively, the order of        formation of the inert and amphiphilic matrices can be reversed,        incorporating the inert matrix inside the amphiphilic compounds.        The resulting inert lipophilic matrix is reduced into granules        by an extrusion and/or granulation process, or any other known        processes which retain the homogeneous dispersion and matrix        structure of the starting mixture. The hydrophilic matrix        consists of excipients known as hydrogels, i.e. substances which        when passing from the dry state to the hydrated one, undergo the        so-called “molecular relaxation”, namely a remarkable increase        in mass and weight following the coordination of a large number        of water molecules by the polar groups present in the polymeric        chains of the excipients themselves. Examples of hydrogels which        can be used according to the invention are compounds selected        from acrylic or methacrylic acid polymers or copolymers,        alkylvinyl polymers, hydroxyalkyl celluloses, carboxyalkyl        celluloses, polysaccharides, dextrins, pectins, starches and        derivatives, natural or synthetic gums, alginic acid. In case of        taste-masking formulations, the use of polyalcohols such as        xylitol, maltitol and mannitol as hydrophilic compounds can also        be advantageous. The lipophilic matrix granules containing the        active ingredient are mixed with the hydrophilic compounds cited        above in a weight ratio typically ranging from 100:0.5 to 100:50        (lipophilic matrix:hydrophilic matrix). Part of the active        ingredient can optionally be mixed with hydrophilic substances        to provide compositions in which the active ingredient is        dispersed both in the lipophilic and the hydrophilic matrix,        said compositions being preferably in the form of tablets,        capsules and/or minitablets. The compression of the mixture of        lipophilic and/or amphiphilic matrix, hydrogel-forming compound        and, optionally, active ingredient not inglobated in the        lipophilic matrix, yields a macroscopically homogeneous        structure in all its volume, namely a matrix containing a        dispersion of the lipophilic granules in a hydrophilic matrix. A        similar result can also be obtained by coating the lipophilic        matrix granules with a hydrophilic polymer coating. The tablets        obtainable according to the invention can optionally be        subjected to known coating processes with a gastro-resistant        film/gastro-resistant coating, consisting of, for example,        acrylic and/or methacrylic acids polymers (Eudragit®) or        copolymers (Eudragit S/L) or cellulose derivatives, such as        cellulose acetophthalate/s.

According to a preferred embodiment of invention the gastro-protectivecoating can be represented by a mixture of acrylic and/or methacrylicacid copolymers type A and/or type B (as, for example, Eudragit S100and/or Eudragit L100).

According to a further embodiment of the invention, the mixture ofacrylic and/or methacrylic acid copolymers type A and/or type B ispreferably in a range ratio from 1:5 to 5:1.

According to another further embodiment, the gastro-protective coatingalso optionally comprises plasticizers, dyes, at least onewater-solvent, at least one organic solvent or a mixture thereof.

The composition of the invention can further contain conventionalexcipients, for example bioadhesive excipients such as chitosans,polyacrylamides, natural or synthetic gums, acrylic acid polymers. Thecompositions of the invention are preferably in the form of tablets,capsules or minitablets. In terms of dissolution characteristics,contact with water or aqueous fluids causes the immediate penetration ofwater inside the more superficial layer of the matrix which, thanks tothe presence of the aqueous solvent, swells due to the distension of thepolymeric chains of the hydrogels, giving rise to a high viscosityhydrated front which prevents the further penetration of the solventitself linearly slowing down the dissolution process to a welldetermined point which can be located at about half the thickness, untilthe further penetration of water would cause the disintegration of thehydrophilic layer and therefore the release of the content which,consisting of inert matrix granules, however induces the diffusionmechanism typical of these structures and therefore further slows downthe dissolution profile of the active ingredient. The presence of theamphiphilic matrix inside the lipophilic matrix inert allows to preventany unevenness of the release profile of the active ingredient. Thesurfactants present in the amphiphilic portion promote wettability ofthe porous canaliculuses which cross the inert matrix preventing orreducing resistance to penetration of the solvent inside the inertmatrix. To obtain taste masking tablets, the components of thehydrophilic matrix are carefully selected to minimize the activesubstance release time through penetration accelerated by thecanalization induced by the hydrophilic compound.

The compositions of the present invention are preferably intended foruse in the treatment of subjects suffering from Inflammatory BowelDisease and/or Irritable Bowel Syndrome. Preferably, according to theinvention Inflammatory Bowel Disease is Crohn's disease and IrritableBowel Syndrome is Ulcerative Colitis.

Further object of the invention is then a method for the treatment of asubject suffering from Inflammatory Bowel Disease and/or Irritable BowelSyndrome comprising administering a pharmaceutical compositioncomprising an effective amount of budesonide, as above defined anddisclosed, to a subject in need of such treatment. Preferably, accordingto the invention Inflammatory Bowel Disease is Crohn's disease andIrritable Bowel Syndrome is Ulcerative Colitis.

According to a preferred embodiment of the invention the budesonidecomposition release is:

-   -   below 15% within the first hour at pH 7.2,    -   greater than 80% within eight hours at pH 7.2.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention thebudesonide composition release is:

-   -   below 15% within the first hour at pH 7.2,    -   below 25% within two hours at pH 7.2;    -   between 25% and 55% within four hours at pH 7.2;    -   greater than 80% within eight hours at pH 7.2.

According to a further preferred embodiment of the invention thebudesonide composition release is:

-   -   below 15% with the first hour at pH 7.2,    -   between 20% and 60% within four hours at pH 7.2;    -   greater than 80% at eight hour at pH 7.2.

Experimental Part

To test the effective ability of the formulations of the invention tomodify the release rate and extent of the active ingredient from thedosage form suitable for the drug administration, before anypharmacokinetic study on patients or volunteers, the dissolution test istaken as monitoring and discriminating tool (according to USP type IIapparatus complying with USP <711>).

Also the bioavailability profile of the formulations of the invention iscarried out, in comparison with a marketed formulation Entocort® EC 3×3mg capsules. As preferred embodiment, the bioavailability study showed aT_(max) average value higher than 8 hours and a MRT average value higherthan 14 hours.

According to the invention, T_(max) corresponds to “time to peakconcentration”, i.e., time to reach the peak plasma concentration of adrug after oral administration (C_(max)) and MRT corresponds to “meanresidence time”, i.e., the average total time molecules of a given dosespend in the body. This can only be measured after instantaneousadministration.

Other pharmacokinetics parameters useful according to the invention arerepresented by:

AUC, which corresponds to “area under the curve”, i.e., the integral ofthe concentration-time curve (after a single dose or in steady state).In particular, AUC_(0-t) is the area under the curve up to the lastpoint and AUC_(0-∞) a, is the area under the curve up to infinite.

C_(max), which corresponds to “peak concentration”, i.e., the peakplasma concentration of a drug after oral administration.

t_(1/2), which corresponds to “biological half-time”, i.e., the timerequired for the concentration of the drug to reach half of its originalvalue.

Xu_(0-36h) (ng), which corresponds to “urinary excretion”, i.e., theactive ingredient metabolite urinary excretion during 36 hours time.

T_(lag), which corresponds to lag time, i.e., the time fromadministration of a drug to first quantifiable concentration.

CI, which corresponds to “confidence intervals”, i.e., a particular kindof interval estimate of a population parameter used to indicate thereliability of an estimate.

CV, which corresponds to “coefficient of variation” provides a relativemeasure of data dispersion with reference to the mean.

Dissolution Test Method

Tablets according to the present invention undergo to dissolution testto verify the formulation capacity in modulating and controlling therate by which the active ingredient is leaked by the device or dosageform in the environmental medium, generally a buffered solutionsimulating gastric or intestinal juices.

The dissolution test is performed by introducing individual tablets in aglace vessel containing from 500 to 1000 ml of a buffered solution setto different pH conditions (pH 1, 6.4 and 7.2 are the pH conditiongenerally used in this test applications), so that the whole digestivetract pH conditions, from stomach to large intestine, should bereproduced. To simulate the human body conditions, the test is carriedout at a temperature of 37° C.±2° C. and at predetermined time periodssamples of the dissolution medium are withdrawn to detect the percentageof active ingredient dissolved over time.

The tablets according to the present invention, when designed to be usedto treat inflammatory bowel disease, in principle have to show a goodresistance, thanks to the polymeric film resistant to the low pHconditions (intended as <5 to simulate the gastric environment) appliedto cover the tablet surface, resistance which last at least for twohours; to target the large intestinal sectors, also the pH condition of6.4 shown unsuitability to determine a drug leakage from theadministration device for a short exposition time and only mediums at pH7.2 have been able to determine an active ingredient dissolution at aprogressive and quite constant rate during a timeframe from 6 to 12hours; the dissolution percentage obtained with this tablet formulationwere below 15% at first hour sampling, below 25% at second hoursampling, then values were in the range 25% to 55% at fourth hour and adissolution greater than 80% was achieved at 8^(th) hour sampling.

Bioavailability Study

Bioavailability profile of budesonide extended release compositions (6mg and 9 mg tablets) vs. controlled ileal release formulation (Entocort®3×3 mg capsules) in healthy volunteers is carried out. The objectives ofthe study are to compare the bioavailability and PK profile of a 9 mgbudesonide extended release tablet formulation of the invention (hereinafter referred to as T1) versus the market reference formulation,Entocort® EC 3×3 mg capsules (Astra-Zeneca) (herein after referred to asR) and versus a 6 mg budesonide formulation of the invention (hereinafter referred to as T2).

The primary end-point is comparing bioavailability rate through the PKparameters of plasma budesonide C_(max) and T_(max) after T1 formulationversus reference formulation.

The secondary end-point is comparing bioavailability extent throughplasma budesonide AUC_(0-t) after T1 formulation versus referenceformulation; comparing bioavailability extent through the PK parametersof plasma budesonide AUC_(0-t) after T1 formulation versus T2formulation; descriptive pharmacokinetics of budesonide; evaluation ofmain budesonide metabolite excretion in urine and safety of the test andreference formulations.

Budesonide MMX™ extended release tablets 9 mgs (T1) and 6 mgs (T2) wereorally administered in a single dose under fasting conditions indifferent study periods with a wash-out interval of at least 5 days. Onetablet of T1 (batch MV084) or T2 (batch TV158) was administered togetherwith 240 mL of mineral water; the subjects were instructed to swallowthe whole tablet without chewing.

The reference therapy was Entocort® EC 3×3 mg capsules (MP0077;Astra-Zeneca, Sweden), orally administered in a single dose underfasting conditions together with 240 mL of mineral water; the subjectswere instructed to swallow the whole tablet without chewing.

Results:

After administration under fasting conditions in 3 consecutive studyperiods of a single dose of budesonide MMX™ extended release tablets 9mg (T1), 6 mg (T2) of the invention and Entocort EC 3×3 mg capsules (R)the PK of budesonide was found significantly different. Mean±SD (CV %)of plasma budesonide and urine budesonide metabolite PK parameters aresummarized in the Tables 1-4 below for the PP population (N=12) andPP-control population (N=11).

TABLE 1 Mean ± SD (CV %) Budesonide PK Parameters after Administrationof T1, T2 and R MMX ™ 9 mg MMX ™ 6 mg Entocort ® EC (T1) (T2) 3 × 3 mg(R) PP-population (N = 12) T_(max) (h)   13.3 ± 5.9 (44.5)   11.4 ± 5.1(44.4)   4.8 ± 1.4 (28.6) C_(max)  1348.8 ± 958.8 (71.1)  1158.5 ± 532.4(46.0)  1555.9 ± 588.0 (37.8) (pg/mL) AUC_(0-t) 13555.9 ± 7816.9 (57.7)10818.3 ± 4401.6 (40.7) 13394.6 ± 5983.0 (44.7) (pg × h/mL) AUC_(0-∞)16431.2 ± 10519.8 (64.0) 11533.6 ± 4738.5 (41.1) 14057.0 ± 6378.7 (45.4)(pg ×. h/mL) C_(max)  149.9 ± 106.5 (71.1)  193.1 ± 88.7 (46.0)  172.9 ±65.3 (37.8) (pg/mL)/dose AUC_(0-t)  1506.2 ± 868.5 (57.7)  1803.0 ±733.6 (40.7)  1488.3 ± 664.8 (44.7) (pg × h/mL)/dose t_(1/2) (h)   8.2 ±3.7 (44.7)   6.6 ± 2.4 (36.8)   7.7 ± 1.8 (23.1) MRT (h)   21.4 ± 6.8(31.5)   17.0 ± 5.7 (33.7)   11.6 ± 2.7 (23.1) PP-control population (N= 11) T_(max) (h)   12.8 ± 6.0 (46.7)   11.0 ± 5.1 (46.4)   4.6 ± 1.4(29.4) C_(max)  1427.3 ± 964.3 (67.6)  1154.9 ± 558.2 (48.3)  1549.0 ±616.2 (39.8) (pg/mL) AUC_(0-t) 13963.7 ± 8063.4 (57.7) 10331.4 ± 4264.1(41.3) 13741.1 ± 4147.5 (44.7) (pg × h/mL) AUC_(0-∞) 17041.8 ± 10807.8(63.4) 11533.6 ± 4738.5 (41.1) 14462.8 ± 6572.3 (45.4) (pg ×. h/mL)C_(max)  158.6 ± 107.1 (67.6)  192.5 ± 93.0 (48.3)  172.1 ± 68.5 (39.8)(pg × h/mL)/dose AUC_(0-∞)  1551.5 ± 895.9 (57.7)  1721.9 ± 710.7 (41.3) 1526.8 ± 683.1 (44.7) (pg × h/mL)/dose t_(1/2) (h)   8.4 ± 3.7 (44.0)  6.6 ± 2.4 (36.8)   7.9 ± 1.7 (21.0) MRT (h)   21.4 ± 7.1 (33.1)   17.0± 5.7 (33.7)   11.8 ± 2.7 (23.1)

TABLE 2 Mean ± SD (CV %) 6-β-Hydroxy-budesonide Cumulative Excretion(Xu_(0-36 h)) after Administration of T1, T2 and R MMX ™ 9 mg MMX ™ 6 mgEntocort ® EC (T1) (T2) 3 × 3 mg (R) PP-population (N = 12) Xu_(0-36 h)111061.9 ± 53992.6 76683.4 ± 31879.4 161535.4 ± 60309.8 (ng) (48.6)(41.6) (37.3) Xu_(0-36 h)  12340.2 ± 5999.2 12780.6 ± 5313.2  17948.4 ±6701.1 (ng)/ (48.6) (41.6) (37.3) dose PP-control population (N = 11)Xu_(0-36 h) 114449.9 ± 55273.9 74729.9 ± 32673.4 164572.0 ± 62283.9 (ng)(48.3) (43.7) (37.8) Xu_(0-36 h)  12716.6 ± 6141.5 12455.0 ± 5445.6 18285.8 ± 6920.4 (ng)/ (48.3) (43.7) (37.8) dose

TABLE 3 Main Individual and Mean Budesonide PK Parameters afterAdministration of MMX ™ 9 mg Extended Release Tablets T1 T_(max) C_(max)AUC_(0-t) AUC_(0-∞) t_(1/2) MRT C_(max)/dose AUC_(0-t)/dose Subject (h)(pg/mL) (pg × h/mL) (pg × h/mL) (h) (h) (pg/mL) (pg × h/mL)  1 12 1127.88744.8 9287.9 5.9 16.4 125.3 971.6  2 18 484.7 9070.4 9713.9 5.3 21.253.9 1007.8  3 16 960.4 16569.5 20388.6 10.7 24.6 106.7 1841.1  4 16949.3 14563.4 18683.2 10.9 28.1 105.5 1618.2  5 6 1692.8 11852.4 12202.83.9 13.9 188.1 1316.9  6 7 1472.5 8374.0 10125.2 11.5 18.3 163.6 930.4 8 14 1350.7 9282.6 9857.2 5.7 16.6 150.1 1031.4  9 6 894.9 5957.26608.2 5.0 13.5 99.4 661.9  10 24 924.5 18026.7 30408.7 15.7 37.5 102.72003.0  11 6 4227.2 35119.3 42027.4 11.1 22.3 469.7 3902.2  12 16 941.38946.6 9458.5 5.9 20.2 104.6 994.1 107 18 1159.2 16164.1 18412.6 6.424.4 128.8 1796.0 PP population, N = 12 MEAN 13.3 1348.8 13555.9 16431.28.2 21.4 149.9 1506.2 SD 5.9 958.8 7816.9 10519.8 3.7 6.8 106.5 868.5 CV% 44.5 71.1 57.7 64.0 44.7 31.5 71.1 57.7 MIN 6 484.7 5957.2 6608.2 3.913.5 53.9 661.9 MAX 24 4227.2 35119.3 42027.4 15.7 37.5 469.7 3902.2 N12 12 12 12 12 12 12 12 PP-control population, N = 11* MEAN 12.8 1427.313963.7 17041.8 8.4 21.4 158.6 1551.5 SD 6.0 964.3 8063.4 10807.8 3.77.1 107.1 895.9 CV % 46.7 67.6 57.7 63.4 44.0 33.1 67.6 57.7 MIN 6 894.95957.2 6608.2 3.9 13.5 99.4 661.9 MAX 24 4227.2 35119.3 42027.4 15.737.5 469.7 3902.2 N 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 11 *Subject 02 not included incalculations

TABLE 4 Main Budesonide PK Parameters after Administration of MMX ™ 6 mgExtended Release Tablets T2 T_(max) C_(max) AUC_(0-t) AUC_(0-∞) t_(1/2)MRT C_(max)/dose AUC_(0-t)/dose Subject (h) (pg/mL) (pg × h/mL) (pg ×h/mL) (h) (h) (pg/mL) (pg × h/mL)  1 14 498.1 4095.2 4617.4 6.9 19.183.0 682.5  2 16 1197.4 16173.8 — — — 199.6 2695.6  3 7 1146.8 11999.513717.5 9.3 20.5 191.1 1999.9  4 10 1330.4 9354.8 10383.5 5.9 13.7 221.71559.1  5 9 1938.4 13755.9 14299 6.4 12.5 323.1 2292.7  6 6 1300.48986.8 9398.9 3.9 11.7 216.7 1497.8  8 10 1781.2 14493.0 15234.8 6.913.1 296.9 2415.5  9 7 400.8 3314.1 3643.1 3.3 12.4 66.8 552.4  10 14869.6 12647.3 15596.5 11.7 25.0 144.9 2107.9  11 8 1948.6 16309.717261.7 5.8 14.5 324.8 2718.3  12 12 672.6 6511.4 7292.6 4.7 15.3 112.11085.2 107 24 817.2 12178.1 15424.7 7.9 28.9 136.2 2029.7 PP population,N = 12 MEAN 11.4 1158.5 10818.3 11533.6 6.6 17.0 193.1 1803.0 SD 5.1532.4 4401.6 4738.5 2.4 5.7 88.7 733.6 CV % 44.4 46.0 40.7 41.1 36.833.7 46.0 40.7 MIN 6 400.8 3314.1 3643.1 3.3 11.7 66.8 552.4 MAX 241948.6 16309.7 17261.7 11.7 28.9 324.8 2718.3 N 12 12 12 11 11 11 12 12PP-control population, N = 11* MEAN 11 1154.9 10331.4 11533.6 6.6 17.0192.5 1721.9 SD 5.1 558.2 4264.1 4738.5 2.4 5.7 93.0 710.7 CV % 46.448.3 41.3 41.1 36.8 33.7 48.3 41.3 MIN 6 400.8 3314.1 3643.1 3.3 11.766.8 552.4 MAX 24 1948.6 16309.7 17261.7 11.7 28.9 324.8 2718.3 N 11 1111 11 11 11 11 11 *Subject 02 not included in calculations

Pharmacokinetic Results:

After administration under fasting conditions in 3 consecutive studyperiods of a single dose of Budesonide MMX™ extended release tablets 9mg (T1), 6 mg (T2) and Entocort® EC 3×3 mg capsules (R) the PK ofbudesonide was found significantly different. Mean±SD (CV %) of plasmabudesonide and urine budesonide-metabolite PK parameters are summarisedin the table below for the PP population (N=12).

Results obtained in the present study on the PP population (see tableabove) were confirmed by the results of the PK analysis on thePP-control population (i.e. after excluding subject randomisation Nr.02, who showed pre-dose detectable levels) and therefore were regardedas the primary results of the study, as per protocol. Inter-subjectvariability was higher for the MMX™ tablet formulation than forEntocort® EC, a finding that can be explained by the broader intestinaltract involved in the drug release from the test products (whole colonand sigmoid) as compared to the reference (terminal ileum, ascendingcolon) and from the absence of dose fractionation in the MMX™formulations.

Although budesonide elimination is constant and no differences amongformulations were found for t_(1/2) values, the differentrelease/absorption behaviour of MMX™ tablets and Entocort® EC capsuleswas apparent from MRT values which were higher for the MMX™formulations.

Analysis on T1 and R C_(max) and T_(max), showed a different rate ofabsorption for MMX™ tablets 9 mg (T1) with respect to Entocort® EC 3×3mg capsules (R). T1 had a lower budesonide concentration peak than R asconfirmed by a PE % of 79% and 90% CI limits of 63%-100%, and asignificantly higher T_(max) (13.3 h for T1 vs. 4.8 h for R). Extent ofabsorption calculated from the AUC_(0-t) of budesonide afteradministration of T1 and R was also significantly different. T1bioavailability over the 36 h period was lower than R bioavailability(PE=91%; 90% CI limits: 77%-108%). Therefore, T1 and R were found to benon-bioequivalent.

Analysis on T_(max), and dose-normalized C_(max)/dose and AUC_(0-t)/doseshowed differences in rate and extent of absorption also for T1 vs. T2,As expected, T1 had a higher concentration peak and bioavailability thanT2, although a linear relationship with dose was not observed (PE forC_(max)/dose=75%; 90% CI limits: 59%-95%, PE for AUC_(0-t)/dose=80%; 90%CI limits: 67%-94%). Therefore, T1 and T2 were found non-bioequivalent.

T_(max) differences between T1 and T2 were not statistically significant(p value from t test=0.2244). Analysis on budesonide metabolite urinaryexcretion (Xu_(0-36h)), showed a different excretion among formulations,with a bioequivalence not satisfied for T1 vs. R (PE=66%; 90% CI limits:54%-81%) and almost achieved for T1 vs. T2 (PE=96%, 90% CI limits:79%-117%).

Safety Results:

The safety profile of the 3 formulations was similar. Only 3 AEsoccurred during the study, 1 with T2 formulation and 2 with Rformulation. Of these 3 AEs, only 1 with R formulation (i.e. headache)was judged possibly related to treatment. No meaningful effect oftreatment on vital signs, ECGs or laboratory parameters was observed.

Conclusions:

The formulation Budesonide MMX™ extended release tablets 9 mg was foundnot bioequivalent to the reference Entocort® EC 3×3 mg capsules in termsof rate and extent of bioavailability since the 90% CI for C_(max) andAUC_(0-t) did not fall within the 80%-125% limits required by currentguidelines, and T_(max), was statistically different between MMX™ 9 mgand Entocort® EC 3.times.3 mg. This finding is explained by thedifferent release behavior of the test and reference formulations whichdetermines different profiles of budesonide absorption. When MMX™ 9 mgand 6 mg tablet formulations were compared to evaluate doseproportionality, whereas no significant difference was found forT_(max), the analysis of dose normalized C_(max), AUC_(0-t) indicatedlack of equivalence since the 90% CI for these parameters did not fallwithin the 80%-125% limits required by current guidelines. butoverlapped them.

The safety profile of the 3 formulations was similar and very good.

Pharmaco-Scintigraphic and Kinetic Study

A single dose, pharmaco-scintigraphic and kinetic study of thegastrointestinal transit and release of a ¹⁵²Sm-labelled controlledrelease formulation of budesonide in 12 fasting male healthy volunteersis carried out.

The objective of the study is to demonstrate and quantify, bypharmaco-scintigraphy and PK analysis, the release and absorption ofbudesonide in the target region.

Each subject received 1 tablet of budesonide MMX™ 9 mg and an averageradioactivity dose of 1.118+0.428 MBq as ¹⁵³Sm₂O₃ To define the GItransit behavior of the study formulation, images were recorded atapproximately 20 min intervals up to 3 h post-dose and 30 min intervalsup to 10 h. Further acquisitions were taken at 12 and 24 h post-dose.The following Regions of Interest (ROIs) were defined: stomach, smallintestine, terminal ileum, ileo-caecal junction and caecum, ascending,transverse, descending and sigmoid colon. Quantification of thedistribution were achieved by measuring the count rates recorded fromthe ROIs.

Budesonide plasma levels were detected between the 1^(st) and the12^(th) h post-administration. On the average the appearance of drugplasma levels occurred in 6.79±3.24 h (T_(lag)). Peak time (T_(max))averaged 14.00±7.73 h, with mean concentration (C_(max)) of1768.7±1499.8 pg/mL. Measured average plasma AUC_(t) in 24 h was15607±14549 pgxh/mL. The difference T_(max)-T_(lag) accounted for7.21±5.49 h, a time period which may be representative of the releasetime of the active from the tablet.

The following Table 5 summarizes the main kinetic evidence:

TABLE 5 C_(max) T_(max) AUC_(t) T_(lag) T_(max) − N = 12 (pg/mL) (h) (pg× h/mL) (h) T_(lag) (h) Mean 1768.7 14.00 15607 6.79 7.21 SD 1499.87.734 14549 3.24 5.49 CV 84.80 55.24 93.22 47.66 76.13 Min 337.3 5 24651 0 Max 4756.3 24 53163 12 17

Combining the scintigraphic with the kinetic evidence, drug absorptionduring the time interval of the radioactivity location in the target ROI(i.e. the region comprised between the ascending and thedescending-sigmoid colon) could be approximately calculated to amount to95.88%±4.19% of the systemically bioavailable dose.

Results:

The systemic availability of budesonide MMX™ 9 mg is mostly ascribableto the drug absorption throughout the whole colon including the sigmoid,see Table 6 below:

TABLE 6 AUC_(colon)/ AUC_(colon) AUC_(t) AUC_(t) × 100 Mean 15113.4615606.52 95.88 SD 14401.79 14549.23 4.19 Min 2464.80 2464.80 84.93 Max52376.20 53162.50 100.00

Example 1

2.7 kg of budesonide, 3.0 kg of lecithin (amphiphilic matrix formingmaterial) and 3.0 kg of stearic acid (lipophilic matrix formingmaterial) are mixing after sieving till an homogeneous mixture isobtained; then add 39.0 kg of inert, functional excipients and 9.0 kg oflow viscosity hydroxypropylcellulose (binder) and mix for 10 minutesbefore adding purified water and kneading to a suitable consistence.Then pass the granulate through a rotating granulator equipped with thesuitable screen and transfer the granulate to the fluid bed drier tolower the residual moisture content under 3%. After a new sieving on thedry, the granulate is added of 9.0 kg of hydroxypropylcellulose(hydrophilic matrix forming material) and the suitable amount offunctional excipients (in particular, microcrystalline cellulose,lactose and silicon dioxide) and, after 15 minutes of mixing, magnesiumstearate in a suitable quantity to act as lubricant is added.

After a final blending, tablets of around 300 mg of unitary weight aregenerated.

The core are then subjected to be coated with a suspension obtainedintroducing into a stainless steel container 5.8 kg of Eudragit™(methacrylate copolymers), 0.6 kg of triethylcitrate and 3.0 kg of dyesand talc, using alcohol as solvent.

The mean dissolution percentage (as average of six or more tablets)obtained with this tablet formulation were around 10%-20% at second hoursampling, in the range 25% to 65% at fourth hour and a dissolutiongreater than 80% was achieved at 8^(th) hour sampling.

Example 2

Component mg/tablet Tablet Budesonide 9.0 Stearic Acid 10.0 Lecithin10.0 Microcristalline cellulose 156.0 Hydroxypropylcellulose 60.0Lactose monohydrate 50.0 Silicon dioxide 2.0 Magnesium stearate 3.0Coating materials Eudragit L100 14.0 Eudragit S100 12.0 Talc 7.9Titanium dioxiede 4.5 Triethylcitrate 1.6 Alcohol q.s.

The coating of industrial scale tablets of batch MV084 contained 8.0 mgof Eudragit L100 and 8.0 mg of Eudragit 5100 (instead of 14.0 mg and12.0 mg, respectively) with an individual weight of about 330 mg.

According to the present invention, coated tablets individually weighingabout 340 mg are obtained.

The above described dissolution test is performed on the tablets ofExample 2. The results are the following (indicated as average value):

after 2 hours at pH 1 resistant (<5%) after 1 hour at pH 6.4 resistant(<5%) after 2 hours at pH 7.2 15% after 4 hours at pH 7.2 37% after 8hours at pH 7.2 91%

Example 3

Budesonide (3.0 kg) is mixed with soybean Lecithin (5.0 kg) until anhomogeneous mixture is obtained. Then carnauba wax (2.0 kg) and stearicacid (2.0 kg) sieved through a fine screen are added. After mixing, thepowders are added with other functional excipients and kneaded with abinder solution obtained by dissolving medium viscositypolyvinylpyrrolidone in water. After drying in a fluid bed and millingthroughout a suitable screen, hydroxypropylmethylcellulose (35.0 kg) andother excipients, including magnesium stearate as lubricant, in asuitable quantity are added and the mixture is blended until anhomogeneous powder dispersion is obtained.

The powder mixture is subjected to compression in a rotating tabletingmachine and the tablets so obtained are coated in a pan coat with agastroresistant composition containing Eudragit™, plasticizers, dyes andpigments.

According to the present example, coated tablets individually weighingaround 105 mg are obtained.

The results of the above described dissolution test are the following(indicated as average value of at least six tablets):

after 2 hours at pH 1 resistant (<5%) after 1 hour at pH 6.4 resistant(<5%) after 2 hours at pH 7.2  9% after 4 hours at pH 7.2 28% after 8hours at pH 7.2 86%

Example 4

50 g of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether are homogeneously distributedon 500 g of microcrystalline cellulose; then 100 g of Budesonide areadded, mixing to complete homogenization. This mix is further added with400 g of Budesonide, then dispersed in a blender containing 100 g ofcarnauba wax and 100 g of stearic acid preheated at a temperature of 60°C. After kneading for 5 minutes, the mixture is cooled to roomtemperature and extruded in granules of size below 1 mm. A suitablemixer is loaded with the matrix granules prepared as above and thefollowing amounts of hydrophilic excipients: 1500 g of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and 500 g of Policarbophil.™. are added. The componentsare mixed until homogeneous dispersion of the matrices, then added with2450 g of microcrystalline cellulose, 400 g of lactose, 100 g ofcolloidal silica and 50 g of magnesium stearate. After further 5 minutemixing, the mix is tableted to unitary weight of 250 mg/tablet.

Tablets are then subjected to coating using a suspension n containingpolyacrylate and poly methacrylate copolymers in addition to other dyes,plasticizers and coloring agents in solvent (ethylic alcohol).

The results of the dissolution test performed on these coated tabletsare the following (indicated as average value of at least six tablets):

after 2 hours at pH 1 resistant (<5%) after 1 hour at pH 6.4 resistant(<5%) after 2 hours at pH 7.2 11% after 4 hours at pH 7.2 32% after 8hours at pH 7.2 76%

Example A

500 g of 5-aminosalicylic-acid and 20 g of octylonium bromide are mixedwith 10 g of soy lecithin dissolved in 50 g of a water:ethyl alcohol 1:3mixture at about 50° C. After homogenization and drying, the granules ofthe resulting matrix are treated in a kneader with 20 g of carnauba waxand 50 g of stearic acid, heating until homogeneous dispersion, thencold-extruded into small granules. The inert matrix granules are loadedinto a mixer in which 30 g of carbopol 971 P and 65 g of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose “are sequentially added.” After a first mixing step forhomogeneously dispersing the powders, 60 g of microcrystalline celluloseand 5 g of magnesium stearate are added. After mixing, the final mixtureis tableted to unitary weight of 760 mg/tablet. The resulting tabletsare film-coated with cellulose acetophthalate or polymethacrylates and aplasticizer to provide gastric resistance and prevent the early releaseof product in the stomach.

The resulting tablets, when subjected to dissolution test in simulatedenteric juice, have shown a release of the active principles having thefollowing profile: after 60 minutes no more than 30%, after 180 minutesno more than 60%, after 5 hours no more than 80%.

Example B

50 g of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether are homogeneously distributedon 500 g of microcrystalline cellulose; then 100 g of Budesonide areadded, mixing to complete homogenization. This mix is further added with400 g of Budesonide, then dispersed in a blender containing 100 g ofcarnauba wax and 100 g of stearic acid preheated at a temperature of 60°C. After kneading for 5 minutes, the mixture is cooled to roomtemperature and extruded in granules of size below 1 mm.

A suitable mixer is loaded with the matrix granules prepared as aboveand the following amounts of hydrophilic excipients: 1500 g ofhydroxypropyl methylcellulose and 500 g of polycarbophil.

The components are mixed until homogeneous dispersion of the matrices,then added with 2450 g of microcrystalline cellulose, 400 g of lactose,100 g of colloidal silica and 50 g of magnesium stearate. After further5 minute mixing, the mix is tableted to unitary weight of 250 mg/tablet.

Example C

850 g of metformin are dispersed in a granulator/kneader with 35 g ofdiethylene glycol monoethyl ether previously melted with 100 g ofstearic acid and 55 g of carnauba wax. The system is heated to carry outthe granulation of the active ingredient in the inert matrix. Theresulting 1040 g of formulation are added with 110 g of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose and 20 g of magnesium stearate.

The final mixture is tableted to unitary weight of 1170 mg/tabletequivalent to 850 mg of active ingredient.

The resulting tablets, when subjected to dissolution test in simulatedenteric juice, have shown a release of the active principles having thefollowing profile: after 60 minutes no more than 35%, after 180 minutesno more than 60%, after 5 hours no more than 80%.

Example D

120 g of octylonium bromide are dispersed in a granulator/kneader with30 g of stearic acid and 15 g of beeswax in which 10 g of diethyleneglycol monoethylene had previously been melted.

The system is heated to carry out the granulation of the activeingredient in the inert matrix. The resulting 10 g of formulation areadded with 5 g of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and 5 g ofpolycarbophyl, 2 g of magnesium stearate and 3 g of microcrystallinecellulose.

The final mixture is tableted to unitary weight of 200 mg/tabletequivalent to 120 mg of active ingredient.

The resulting tablets, when subjected to dissolution test in simulatedenteric juice, have shown a release of the active principles having thefollowing profile: after 60 minutes no more than 25%; after 180 minutesno more than 50%; after 5 hours no more than 70%.

Example E

12 g of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether are loaded on 6 g ofmicrocrystalline cellulose and 6 grams of calcium carbonate, then 100 gof Gabapentin are added and the mixture is homogenized. After that, 800g of Gabapentin are added which are dispersed in a granulator/kneaderwith 4.5 g of white wax and 5 g of stearic acid. The system is heated tocarry out the granulation of the active ingredient in the inert matrix.The resulting 916.5 g of formulation are added with 39.5 g ofhydroxypropyl methylcellulose, 10 g of alginic acid, 11 g of magnesiumstearate and 6 g of Syloid. The final mixture is tableted to unitaryweight of 1000 mg/tablet equivalent to 900 mg of active ingredient.

Example F

50 g (25 g) of carbidopa and 200 g (100 g) of levodopa are dispersed ina granulator/kneader with 60 g (30 g) of stearic acid and 30 g (15 g) ofyellow wax, in which 10 (5) g of diethylene glycol monoethyl ether hadpreviously been melted.

The system is heated to carry out the granulation of the activeingredient in the inert matrix. The resulting 340 g (170 g) offormulation are added with 20 g (10 g) of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose,10 g (5 g) of xanthan gum, 16 g (8 g) of microcrystalline cellulose, 4 g(2 g) of magnesium stearate.

The final mixture is tableted to unitary weight of 400 (200) mg/tabletequivalent to 50 (25) mg of carbidopa and 200 (100) mg di levodopa.

Example G

4 g of Nimesulide are solubilized in 50 g of diethylene glycol monoethylether, then 100 g of microcrystalline cellulose are added to obtain ahomogeneous mixture.

The resulting mixture is added in a granulator/kneader with 196 g ofNimesulide, 50 g of stearic acid and 25 g of carnauba wax. The system isheated to carry out the granulation of the active ingredient in theinert and amphiphilic matrix system.

425 g of the resulting granulate are added with 60 g of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, 5 g of polycarbophil and 10 g of magnesium stearate.

The final mixture is tableted to unitary weight of 500 mg/tabletequivalent to 200 mg of active ingredient.

The resulting tablets, when subjected to dissolution test in simulatedenteric juice, have shown a release of the active principles having thefollowing profile: after 1 hour no more than 25%, after 2 hours no morethan 40%, after 4 hours no more than 60%, after 8 hours no more than90%.

Example H

500 g of propionyl carnitine are dispersed in a granulator/kneader with90 g of stearic acid and 40 g of carnauba wax, in which 20 g ofdiethylene glycol monoethyl ether had previously been melted. The systemis heated to carry out the granulation of the active ingredient in theinert/amphiphilic matrix. The resulting 650 g of formulation are addedwith 60 g of hydroxypropyl methylcellulose and 10 g of magnesiumstearate.

The final mixture is tableted to unitary weight of 720 mg/tabletequivalent to 500 mg of active ingredient.

The resulting tablets, when subjected to dissolution test in simulatedenteric juice, have shown a release of the active principles having thefollowing profile: after 60 minutes no more than 40%, after 180 minutesno more than 60%, after 4 hours no more than 80%, after 8 hours no morethan 90%.

Example I

One kg of Nimesulide is placed in a high rate granulator, pre-heated toabout 70°, together with 200 g of cetyl alcohol and 25 g of glycerolpalmitostearate the mixture is kneaded for about 15 minutes and stirredwhile decreasing temperature to about 30° C. The resulting inert matrixis added, keeping stirring and kneading during cooling, with 50 g of soylecithin and 50 g of ethylene glycol monoethyl ether. The granulate isextruded through a metallic screen of suitable size and mixed with 50 gof hydroxypropyl methylcellulose, 1320 kg of maltodextrins, 2 kg oflactose-cellulose mixture, 50 g of colloidal silica, 40 g of aspartame,150 g of citric acid, 75 g of flavor and 65 g of magnesium stearate. Thefinal mixture is tableted to unitary weight of about 500 mg, havinghardness suitable for being dissolved in the mouth and a pleasant taste.

Example J

Operating as in the preceding Example, chewable tablets are preparedreplacing dextrin with mannitol and the lactose-cellulose mixture withxylitol. The resulting tablets have pleasant taste and give upon chewinga sensation of freshness enhancing the flavor.

Example K

Operating as described in Example I, but with the following components:

active ingredient: ibuprofen mg 100 lipophilic/inert matrix component:mg 15 cetyl alcohol amphiphilic matrix component: mg 8 soy lecithinhydrophilic matrix components: mannitol mg 167 maltodextrins mg 150methylhydroxypropylcellulose mg 30 adjuvants: aspartame mg 15 flavour mg5 colloidal silica mg 5 magnesium stearate mg 5

500 mg unitary weight tablets are obtained, which undergo progressiveerosion upon buccal administration, and effectively mask the bitter,irritating taste of the active ingredient.

Example L

Operating as described in Example I, but with the following components:

active ingredient: diclofenac sodium mg 25 lipophilic/inert matrixcomponent: mg 5 cetyl alcohol glycerol palmitostearate mg 5 amphiphilicmatrix component: mg 7 soy lecithin hydrophilic matrix components:xylitol mg 168 maltodextrins mg 150 hydroxypropylmethylcellulose mg 20adjuvants: aspartame mg 5 flavour mg 5 colloidal silica mg 5 magnesiumstearate mg 5

400 mg unitary weight tablets are obtained, which undergo progressiveerosion upon buccal administration, and effectively mask the irritatingtaste of the active ingredient.

Example M

Operating as described in Example I, but with the following components:

active ingredient: chlorhexidine mg 2.5 lipophilic/inert matrixcomponent: mg 0.5 cetyl alcohol glycerol palmitostearate mg 0.5amphiphilic matrix component: mg 0.3 diethylene glycol monoethyl etherhydrophilic matrix components: xylitol mg 38 maltodextrins mg 96hydroxypropyl methylcellulose mg 10 adjuvants: aspartame mg 3 flavour mg5 colloidal silica mg 2 magnesium stearate mg 2

150 mg unitary weight tablets are obtained, which undergo progressiveerosion upon buccal administration, and effectively mask the irritatingtaste of the active ingredient.

Example N

One Kg of Nimesulide is placed in a high rate granulator, pre-heated toabout 70°, together with g 125 of cetyl alcohol: the mixture is kneadedfor about 15 minutes and stirred while decreasing temperature to about30° C., then added with g 30 of lecithin. The resulting matrix is thenextruded through a metallic screen of suitable size and mixed with 2.415kg of lactose, 1.0 kg of maltodextrins, 50 g of hydroxypropylmethylcellulose, 50 g of colloidal silica, 40 g of aspartame, 150 g ofcitric acid, 75 g of flavor and 65 g of magnesium stearate. The finalmixture is tableted to about 500 mg tablets, having hardness suitablefor being dissolved in the mouth and pleasant taste.

1. An oral pharmaceutical composition comprising about 9 mg ofbudesonide and wherein said composition provides a T_(max) of saidbudesonide in a subject of about 13.3±5.9 hours following administrationof said composition to said subject.
 2. The oral pharmaceuticalcomposition of claim 1, wherein said composition provides a C_(max) ofsaid budesonide in a subject of about 1348.8 pg/mL at a time of about13.3±5.9 hours following administration of said composition to saidsubject.
 3. An oral pharmaceutical composition comprising about 9 mg ofbudesonide and wherein said composition provides a C_(max) of saidbudesonide in a subject of about 1348.8 pg/mL following administrationof said composition to said subject.
 4. An oral pharmaceuticalcomposition comprising about 9 mg of budesonide and wherein saidcomposition provides an AUC_(0-infinity) of said budesonide in a subjectof about 16431.2 (pg)(hr)/mL following administration of saidcomposition to said subject.
 5. An oral pharmaceutical composition,comprising about 9 mg of budesonide and wherein said compositionprovides an AUC_(0-t) of said budesonide in a subject of about 13555.9(pg)(hr)/mL in 36 hours following administration of said composition tosaid subject.